Abstract

Background

Visceral fat possesses the most detrimental potential for cardiovascular morbidity through the release of adipokines, as well as metabolic and proinflammatory mediators, which adversely affect metabolic and vascular homeostasis. Among the different types of visceral adipose tissue, mesenteric fat is considered particularly detrimental, due to its close proximity to the portal circulation, affecting directly the liver, which is the main regulator of body metabolic homeostasis. Mesenteric fat can be reliably estimated using abdominal ultrasonography, the only available imaging method able to depict individual mesenteric leaves. Aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation of mesenteric fat thickness (MFT) with serum apolipoprotein levels in patients undergoing digital subtraction angiography in a single center.

Methods

35 male patients with peripheral arterial disease were examined. After careful examination of the periumbilical area, the mesenteric leaves were identified. The maximal distance between each pair of sequential leaves was measured, and the mean value of the three thickest leaves was determined as the mesenteric fat thickness. Six apolipoprotein fasting serum concentrations were measured using a Luminex proteomics platform (xMAP Multiplex immunoassay): apolipoprotein A-I (apoAI), apolipoprotein A-II (apoAII), apolipoprotein B (apoB), apolipoprotein C-II (apoCII), apolipoprotein C-III (apoCIII) and apolipoprotein E (apoE).

Results

MFT correlated with apoAII and apoB serum concentrations. The correlations with apoAII and apoB remained significant following correction for BMI. No correlations were noted between MFT and serum apoAI, apoCII, apoCIII or apoE levels before or after adjustment for BMI.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that MFT is significantly correlated with the concentration of atherogenic low density lipoproteins particles, as well as with apoAII, a determinant of free fatty acids levels. No correlation was observed between mesenteric fat thickness and very low density lipoprotein or chylomicron particles concentration.

Keywords

Background

Obesity has emerged as a global pandemic, recently characterized by the World Health Organization as globesity[1]. Its rates are increasing worldwide, with almost 25% and 10% of the global population being overweight and obese, respectively [2]. Obesity has been linked to a large number of diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and numerous forms of cancer [3].

There is an increasing amount of evidence demonstrating that regional rather than total adiposity is a more significant factor for obesity related disorders. Visceral fat possesses the most detrimental potential for cardiovascular morbidity through the release of adipokines, as well as metabolic and proinflammatory mediators, which adversely affect metabolic and vascular homeostasis [4]. Among the different types of visceral adipose tissue, mesenteric fat is considered particularly detrimental, due to its close proximity to the portal circulation, affecting directly the liver, which is the coordinator of body metabolic regulation [5].

Mesenteric fat can be reliably estimated using abdominal ultrasonography, the only available imaging method able to depict individual mesenteric leaves [5]. Until today, mesenteric fat has been correlated with metabolic and cardiovascular markers, such as blood lipoprotein concentrations [5]. However, there are no available studies investigating the possible influence of mesenteric fat to specific apolipoproteins, constituents of serum lipoproteins and key molecules to their function.

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoAI) is the major structural component of high density lipoprotein (HDL), exhibiting significant atheroprotective functions [6]. Apolipoprotein A-II (apoAII) is the second most important protein component of HDL and seems to have a significant role in triglyceride metabolism [7]. Its levels have been correlated with fat distribution in humans [7]. Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is the major protein constituent of the atherogenic low density lipoprotein (LDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and of chylomicrons [6]. It has been proposed that serum apoB concentration may be a more reliable marker than serum LDL determination, since it can be directly measured, rather than estimated through a relevant formula [6]. Apolipoprotein C-II (apoCII) is a protein component of VLDL and contains a cofactor for lipoprotein lipase, which hydrolyzes triglycerides into fatty acids [8]. In humans, hypertriglyceridemia is regularly accompanied by a significant increase in apoCII plasma levels. Apolipoprotein C-III (apo CIII) is an inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase and of triglycerides remnant uptake by hepatic lipoprotein receptors [9], as well as a component of chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL and LDL. Its levels have been show to correlate with the degree of insulin resistance, while apoCIII overexpression has been found to accelerate the progress of atherosclerosis in rodents [9]. Finally, apolipoprotein E (apoE) is the main ligand for clearance of VLDL and chylomicron remnants, affecting the circulating concentrations of lipoproteins and plasma levels of cholesterol and triglycerides [10].

Aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation of mesenteric fat thickness (MFT) with serum apolipoprotein levels in patients undergoing digital subtraction angiography in a single center. Specifically, 6 apolipoprotein serum concentrations were measured using a Luminex proteomics platform: apoAI, apoAII, apoB, apoCII, apoCIII and apoE.

In a multivariate analysis, no significant differences were detected in MFT measurements between patient subgroups, formed based on previous angioplasty, hypertension and presence of dyslipedemia, even after correction for BMI and BMI and age (Table 2). MFT correlated with apoAII and apoB serum concentrations (Table 3). The correlations with apoAII and apoB remained significant following correction for BMI (Table 3). No correlations were noted between MFT and serum apolipoproteins apoAI, apoCII, apoCIII or apoE before or after adjustment for BMI (Table 3).

Table 3

Correlation between MFT and Serum apolipoprotein levels

Correlation with MFT

apoAI

apoAII

apoB

apoCII

apoCIII

apoE

Correlation Coefficient (Significance Level)

0.28 (NS)

r = 0.5 (p < 0.01)

r = 0.47 (p < 0.01)

−0.06 (NS)

−0.04 (NS)

0.06 (NS)

Correlation with MFT (correctedfor BMI)

apoAI

apoAII

apoB

apoCII

apoCIII

apoE

Correlation Coefficient (Significance Level)

0.28 (NS)

r = 0.45 (p < 0.01)

r = 0.44 (p < 0.05)

−0.08 (NS)

−0.07 (NS)

0.06 (NS)

NS Non significant.

Discussion

Obesity, defined by the WHO as BMI > 30, is considered as one of the major preventable causes of death worldwide and is characterized by a positive disequilibrium between energy intake and energy expenditure [11]. It is directly involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, hypertension and degenerative joint disease [2]. Research conducted in the past few decades has revealed the pleiotropic effects of adipose tissue on every aspect of bodily functions and homeostasis, including immunity, metabolism and aging [12].

Mesenteric fat can be accurately and reliably assessed by ultrasonography, using the methodology described by Liu et al.[13]. This method requires significant training by experienced physicians [14]. However, if properly trained, the intra- and inter- operator variability is low [13, 15–17]. The presence of obesity does not negatively affect the reliability of the imaging modality, since increased adipose tissue accumulation renders mesenteric leaves readily visible [18].

The estimation of MFT ultrasonographically is one of the newest additions to the array of available imaging techniques for adipose tissue estimation. MFT has demonstrated positive associations with indices of insulin resistance (ie fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR index, fasting serum insulin) [13, 17, 19] and subclinical atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness) [13, 15]. Increased MFT has been proposed as a significant prognostic factor for polycystic ovary syndrome and fatty liver, conditions directly linked to insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome, as well as atherosclerosis [16, 19].

Even though MFT has been correlated to LDL and HDL serum concentrations [13, 17], no studies have been carried out regarding the relationship between MFT and lipoprotein subfractions or serum concentrations. To our knowledge, this is the first available study to investigate the correlation of MFT to a large array of apolipoproteins.

Much attention has been devoted to the effect of apolipoproteins on the progression of atherosclerosis [6]. They act as cofactors for enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, ligands for receptors or mediators of reverse cholesterol transport. Assessment of apolipoprotein levels is useful in predicting risk of cardiovascular disease [6].

Mesenteric fat may have a significant effect on serum lipoproteins by modulating liver function. It is the only adipose tissue depot that drains to the portal circulation, thus directly affecting liver metabolism and biosynthetic activity. It promotes liver fat accumulation and insulin resistance, which in turn leads to elevated hepatic glucose production and increased release of free fatty acids (FFAs) from adipose tissue [20, 21].

Abdominal fat cell weight has been previously reported to negatively correlate with plasma apoAI concentration [22]. However, in our study we did not observe a statistically significant relationship of MFT with apoAI levels. On the other hand, MFT measurements correlated linearly with apoAII serum concentrations. This correlation may reflect the role of mesenteric fat as a significant source of triglycerides in the fasting state. A study investigating the impact of weight loss on HDL apoAII kinetics in the metabolic syndrome reported a significant correlation between changes in apoAII fractional catabolic rate and visceral adipose tissue mass, indicating a potential role for adiposity in the regulation of apoAII catabolism [23].

In our study, we also observed a significant correlation between MFT and apoB levels, the major component of LDL lipoproteins. FFAs released by mesenteric fat have been shown to increase apoB production and VLDL release. VLDL is transformed into IDL and LDL, a process, which results in the production of atherogenic LDL lipoproteins containing apoB [24–26]. Mesenteric adipose tissue may be a significant source of FFAs in both the fasting and fed period, given its relative resistance to the lipotrophic effects of insulin and its sensitivity to the lipolytic effects of catecholamines [4, 27]. These effects may be exaggerated in individuals with increased mesenteric adipose tissue depots.

As far as the other secretory products of mesenteric fat are concerned, interleukin- 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha have been shown to increase apoB and VLDL production by hepatocytes in both clinical and experimental studies [25, 28–31].

On the other hand, no statistically significant correlations were observed between mesenteric fat thickness and components of VLDL lipoproteins, such as apoCII or apoCIII. This lack of association may be attributed to the design of the study. During the fasting state, VLDL lipoprotein levels tend to be diminished, and this may interfere with the possible relationship between mesenteric adipose tissue and liver lipoprotein production. In a previous study and in accordance to our results, serum apoE levels did not differ between obese and non-obese individuals [32]. However, visceral fat accumulation significantly correlated with serum apoE concentration in middle-aged non-obese Japanese men [33].

The role of mesenteric fat on inflammation and oxidative damage in vascular tissue and the correlation of its thickness with cardiovascular disease risk are documented in literature [34]. Trying to extend the existing knowledge, our study showed that MFT significantly correlates with apoB and apoAII levels. The correlation with apoB confirms the close association between MFT and atherosclerotic risk, observed in a significant number of previous studies. The correlation of MFT with apoAII may reflect the role of mesenteric fat as a significant source of triglycerides in the fasting state.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that MFT significantly correlates with the concentration of atherogenic LDL apoB particles, as well as with apoAII, a determinant of free fatty acids levels. Our data are in concordance to that of previous studies and demonstrate the significance of visceral adipose tissue as an atherosclerosis risk factor. Further investigation of the pathogenic and regulatory pathways of visceral obesity that promote atherosclerotic procedures is needed and may reveal new targets for atherosclerosis prevention and treatment.

Methods

Patient population consisted of individuals with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) admitted to the Interventional Radiology Clinic of the University Hospital “Aretaieion” between April 2009 and May 2010 to undergo intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography. The study protocol was approved by the hospital's Ethics Commiteee (no. M-117 / 07-02-2008). The diagnosis of PVD was based on physical examination findings, clinical symptoms, measurement of the ankle- brachial index and duplex ultrasound scanning. Patients with recent cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event (myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction or hemorrhage), malignant disease, diabetes mellitus, renal failure or chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) were excluded from the study. Every other eligible patient was enrolled to the study. All study participants provided their written informed consent and they completed a questionnaire on demographic factors, eating habits and medical history. Height was measured by using a fixed stadiometer. Body weight was measured to the nearest hectogram. Fasting blood samples (20 ml venous blood) were collected prior to the angiographic examination. Fasting serum apolipoprotein (apoAI, apoAII, apoB, apoCII, apoCIII and apoE) concentrations were measured using Luminex xMAP immunoassay (Luminex Corp., Austin, TX, USA) 6-plex panel (Merch Millipore, MA, USA).

On the same day, each participant was subjected to abdominal ultrasound scans by the same experienced radiologist, who was unaware of the subjects’ clinical and laboratory characteristics. The radiologist followed the methodology of Liu et al. for mesenteric fat estimation, using a 5–7 MHz linear-array transducer [13]. Briefly, the subjects were placed in a supine position and were asked to hold their breath during the measurements. The whole abdomen was scanned with emphasis in the periumbilical area, as more mesenteries are located in that area and can be easily identified. The mesenteric leaves appear as elongated structures with highly reflective peritoneal surfaces (Figure 1). Not all the mesenteries are visualized clearly during the examination, since some can be obscured by bowel gas. Usually, 6–10 measurements were performed during each ultrasound examination and the mean value of the three thickest mesenteric leaves was used for the analysis. A typical ultrasound examination would require 10–15 minutes by an experienced to the specific technique radiologist.

Limitations of the study

The present study identified statistically significant correlations between MFT and serum apolipoproteins in PVD patients. However, future comparative studies using large numbers of patients and healthy subjects are necessary, in order to examine differences between subgroups and to derive useful further information. The use of fasting blood samples may have obscured a possible relationship of MFT and VLDL components. By performing single operator evaluations we avoided inter- but not intra-operator variability.

Declarations

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Copyright

This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.